Askals thrash CPU, 4-1

By Jerome S. Galunan Jr.

EVEN without the services of vaunted forward Phil Younghusband, the Philippine Football Team Azkals proved too much for the young Korean reinforced-Central Philippine University International Football Team as the Azkalz thrashed the visiting team, 4-1, during their goodwill game Thursday at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City.


The match served as the second tune-up game for the Azkals in preparation for the upcoming battle against Mongolia next week, February 9 at the same venue, for the 2010 AFC-Challenge Cup qualifying round.

Despite the strong start and better defense of the Koreans against the national men�s team in the early minutes of the game, Simon Greatwich broke the silence as he scored a goal from the center in the 17th minute, penetrating CPU�s goalkeeper Jaypee Coopera�s defense.


Ian Araneta nailed another goal in the 44th minute on a pass from James Younghusband, closing the first half at 2-0.


In the second half, the Koreans pushed hard as Gyung Sik Choi sunk their first goal in the 49th minute and put the game close at 2-1.


However, Azkals� team captain Aly Borromeo aggressively attacked the Korean defense and scored the national squad�s third goal through a heading in the 50th minute while newcomer William Guerridon sealed the game in the 65th minute with another goal on a strong attack from the left on a pass from Chiffy Caligdong.

Beom Ched Park, one of the Korean booters, admitted that the Azkals are strong and played very aggressively in the match.

Meanwhile, Azkal head coach Michael Hans Weiss admitted that his players still become complacent and lose their composure once in a while. �I wanted to wake up the team,� he said.

He likewise confirmed the entry of Fil-foreign booters James and Ryan Alonte Garrucho Hall.


�At their young age, they are ready to be deployed. They can also be a strong backbone for our team in the SEA Games,� he added.

We are getting more and better players coming in. Sometimes, players feel secure and become complacent in a team. When they see that there are other equally or even more talented players waiting in line to replace them, then they get motivated to play better, explained Weiss.

Weiss also disclosed that Jerry Lucena and Dennis Cagara are already in his list to possibly beef up the squad in future competitions.

Mongolia team, on the other hand, is set to arrive Monday, February 7.

Published in the Sun.Star Bacolod newspaper on February 05, 2011.